By Leah Yanuszeski, Review Intern
Last week Lake Orion High School hosted their annual Eighth Grade Welcome Night.
This gives both eighth grade students and parents a taste of the high school, as well as what is offered at the school.
The class of 2014 is about eighty students smaller than last year’s incoming freshmen class, according to administrators. It was standing room only, however, in the auditorium.
The night started off with a performance from the Dragon Marching Band, directed under Mike Steele, giving attendees a taste of school pride. Counselors then discussed schedules with parents and students, talking about how, and what, classes to sign up for.
After the presentations ended, future students and parents got the chance to mingle with representatives from activities available at the high school.
Sports teams, the Fine and Performing Arts, DECA, BPA, National Honor Society, Thespian Society, Forensics, Art Club, Team 302 (Robotics), Yearbook and many other activities were represented.
Jill Stockwell, along with her son Corey Stockwell, perused the baseball booth. As for the overall night, ‘They have done a great job, we love all the presenters, and they do a great job of explaining — nothing but positives,? she said.
Incoming freshmen Shayla Hicks, along with her father, Jason, browsed through the commons, where the booths were placed.
‘I’m a little bit excited and a little bit scared,? she noted about becoming a highschooler.
Teachers from each of the main areas of study offered at the high school were there to answer questions as well. Core classes, such as science and English, plus the progression of those classes throughout a child’s four years, were discussed.
After conversing with Karen Wampuszyc, a science teacher at the high school, sonon-to-be high school mom Janet Hankey felt assured about her son’s time at Lake Orion.
‘He will do fine here. It is intellectually stimulating and he will have fun with friends here. It is a great combination.? she said.
Counselors, representing their section of the alphabet, were in attendance, as well. Both parents and students were able to ask questions about which classes to pick.
Tom Tobe, an interim principal at LOHS, was impressed with the night’s turnout.
‘This is a beautiful reflection of the parent’s support of their children’s education,? he said. ‘It is a dynamic freshman class coming in.?